Don't know which fantasy Google or eBay you access... the "deals" all use lovely unbranded "premium iridium nib". Of course, in your fascinating everyone must be ripping me off world, maybe they're just as good as Jowo nibs.

Is the pen heavy? I'm really bad at conceptualizing weight measurements, so I'd love a comparison with, say, a pilot metropolitan. I've got pretty gnarly hand pain, so I need to know if this pen is too heavy before I spend that much on it.

Not sure on that. I have never received a return or complaint about the grip not working well with large hands so you are probably good. I think it depends more on how you tend to grip the pen versus the size of your hands. The pen has a reasonable diameter at just over 1/2" so I don't think you would face the problem of it being too thin.

Bulk order shipped! The vendor informed us that the group's order was picked up and is on its way to our warehouse in New Jersey. Based on the tracking provided, the order is scheduled to arrive on 1/6.
Expect another update from us on 1/9 or sooner if something comes up.
If you have any questions, please visit our Help Center (https://massdrop.com/helpcenter).

Just about there! We've been in touch with the vendor regarding the group's order and they've let us know that they are still working to gather and pack the group's order for shipment to our warehouse in New Jersey. We will continue to check in with them throughout the fulfillment process and update the group again as soon as everything is en route to us!
Expect another update from us on 1/5 or sooner if something comes up.
If you have any questions, please visit our Help Center (https://massdrop.com/helpcenter).

Awaiting confirmation! We are still in contact with the vendor and just awaiting updated shipment estimates from them. We have a call scheduled first thing tomorrow morning and should get a bit more visibility in regards to when we can expect these in our warehouse.
Expect another update from us on 12/30 or sooner if something comes up.
If you have any questions, please visit our Help Center (https://massdrop.com/helpcenter).

Thanks again for joining this drop! We have submitted the group's order with the vendor for the Tree Ring Natural History Fountain Pen and they are working hard to prepare it for shipment.
As soon as the group's order is ready at the vendor's location, they will send the bulk shipment to our warehouse in New Jersey where our warehouse team will break it up into individual orders and ship them. The current estimated ship date from our warehouse is 1/6.
We will keep the group updated throughout the fulfillment process. You can expect an update from us by the end of the day Pacific Time on 12/27.
If you have any questions, please visit our Help Center (http://massdrop.com/helpcenter).

I have one from the last drop and have no issues with it. I have large hands and although the barrel to nib section is different from most fountain pens it has been of no consequence for me. I love my Tree Ring pen!

All of the orders have been shipped and are now on the way to you! Once tracking is available, you will receive a confirmation email with tracking information. Please allow 24-48 hours for this information to update in the courier’s system.
If you have any questions, please visit our Help Center (http://massdrop.com/helpcenter).
We're also on Instagram! We'd love to see photos of the drops you've received. Give us a follow @Massdrop and tag your pictures #massdrop. https://instagram.com/massdrop

Individual shipments are being prepared now! Our warehouse team received the group's bulk order earlier and have already broken everything down into the individual packages. As soon as your package is scanned into the courier's system an email will be sent with shipping confirmation and tracking info.
Expect another update from us on 12/1 or sooner if something comes up.
If you have any questions, please visit our Help Center (https://massdrop.com/helpcenter).

Awaiting delivery! While the group's order is on its way to our warehouse in New Jersey now, we've just learned that a minor clearance delay has prevented the shipment from arriving as early as originally anticipated. Rest assured, we've prioritized this shipment with our receiving team and will work to have individual packages turned around as quickly as possible once delivered.
Expect another update from us on 11/25 or sooner if something comes up.
If you have any questions, please visit our Help Center (https://massdrop.com/helpcenter).

Bulk order shipped! The vendor informed us that the group's order was picked up and is on its way to our warehouse in New Jersey. Based on the tracking provided, the order is scheduled to arrive on 11/21.
Expect another update from us on 11/22 or sooner if something comes up.
If you have any questions, please visit our Help Center (https://massdrop.com/helpcenter).

Just about there! We've been in touch with the vendor regarding the group's order and they've let us know that they are still working to gather and package the group's order for individual shipment to each of you. We will continue to check in with them throughout the fulfillment process and update the group again as soon as everything is sent out!
Expect another update from us on 11/15 or sooner if something comes up.
If you have any questions, please visit our Help Center (https://massdrop.com/helpcenter).

We've been in touch with the vendor regarding the group's order and they've let us know that they are still working to gather and pack the group's order for shipment to our warehouse in New Jersey. We will continue to check in with them throughout the fulfillment process and update the group again as soon as everything is en route to us!
Expect another update from us on 11/10 or sooner if something comes up.
If you have any questions, please visit our Help Center (https://massdrop.com/helpcenter).

Thanks again for joining this drop! We have submitted the group's order with the vendor for the Tree Ring Natural History Fountain Pen and they are working hard to prepare it for shipment.
As soon as the group's order is ready at the vendor's location, they will send the bulk shipment to our warehouse in New Jersey where our warehouse team will break it up into individual orders and ship them. The current estimated ship date from our warehouse is 11/16.
We will keep the group updated throughout the fulfillment process. You can expect an update from us by the end of the day Pacific Time on 11/3.
If you have any questions, please visit our Help Center (http://massdrop.com/helpcenter).

Pen arrived in perfect condition. I love that it is unique and and tells an interesting story. The magnetic cap is nice and secure and the pen writes well. I'm very pleased with my purchase. Thank you!

All of the orders have been shipped and are now on the way to you! Once tracking is available, you will receive a confirmation email with tracking information. Please allow 24-48 hours for this information to update in the courier’s system.
If you have any questions, please visit our Help Center (https://massdrop.com/helpcenter).
We're also on Instagram! We'd love to see photos of the drops you've received. Give us a follow @Massdrop and tag your pictures #massdrop. https://instagram.com/massdrop

The vendor informed us that the group's order was picked up and is on its way to our warehouse. Based on the tracking provided, the order is scheduled to arrive 4/18.
Sometimes shipments get delayed en route, but we will keep the group updated throughout the fulfillment process and notify you all if anything causes delay.
Thank you for your patience. Expect an update from us on 4/19 or sooner if something comes up.
If you have any questions, please visit our Help Center (https://massdrop.com/helpcenter).

The vendor is currently working on preparing the order for shipment. Based on current estimates the group's bulk order should be shipping to our warehouse early next week. As soon as the order is on its way we will make sure to update the group with the estimated date of arrival.
Thanks for your patience and expect an update from us on 4/13 or sooner if something comes up.